Package opener



M. E. BLIER PACKAGE OPENER arch 8; 1938.

Filed Jan. 29, 1937 7 y L r V w z W ;W y W z.

Patented Mar. 8, 1938 UNTED STATES znani ATE? GFFlC 2 Claims.

The invention broadly relates to a device for opening packages and more particularly to a receptacle for cigarette packages where a slit is made in order to enable removal of the content.

Devices for the opening of packages are known where a blade or knife is caused to execute a slit or cut to provide an opening in the package. The known devices, however, have failed to take into consideration the frangible material and light construction of the package, with the result that the package becomes crushed' or the content impaired, or an unsatisfactory cut is executed. Again, if strong material is used, then the cut is not initiated nor completed in a manner to give satisfactory results.

It, therefore, constitutes one of the principal objects of the invention to provide a simple and yet highly efiicient device for opening packages.

A further object comprises the means of placing the package and the cutting blade in such relative position that the edge of the Cutting blade attacks the corner of the package and' at the base thereof, so that suficient rigidity is available for initiating the cut and, thereafter the less rigid part is cut by drawing the edge through the material to provide a triangular fiap with the base unsevered, so that the contents may be removed upon bending the fiap outwardly and, thereafter, upon releasing the fiap, the package is closed.

It is a further object to provide a cutting blade which is accurately guided so that the contents of the package shall not be damaged.

It is a further object to provide a cutting blade which is guided to first engage a corner of a package and thereafter cause the edge to execute a lateral movement to effect a slitting or drawing cut so that a clean and satisfactory cut is produced.

It is also an object to provide certain features of construction and arrangement tending to enhance the utility and efiiciency of a device of the Character specified.

With these and other equally important objects in view, which will become apparent from a, perusal of the invention, the latter comprises the means described in the following specification, particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part thereof, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device constructed in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on the lines 2 -2 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the lines, 3.-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the lines 4-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a Vertical section on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cigarette pack- 5 age opened in accordance with my invention,

Referring to the several Views of the drawing,

H] generally designates an upright rectangular container comprising side walls H and IZ, a top wall i3, a bottom wall U3, and a back |5. The 10 container is open at the front and the Sid-e walls are provided at the front with semi-circular cut out portions 16 to facilitate the introduction and removal of a cigarette package.

The casing 19 at the rear and near the bottom 15 merges into a horizontal chest or casing Il, extending at right angles to casing IO, whose side walls il, |2 overhang the casing ll and define a slot IB with a bottom block 19 provided in the casing ll'.

The cigarette package 20, when introduced into the casing I has its rear lower end exposed in the slot |8 for a purpose presently to be described.

In the casing l'l are two horizontal, parallel pins 2| and 22, on which is slidably mounted a carriage 23 having a downtumed flange 24 at the front, which is apertured to clear the pins. A flange 25, at the rear end, is also apertured for passa'ge of one of the pins 2|. A spring 25' surrounds the pin 22 bearing on the rear wall of casing H and on the fiange 213 to hold the carriage in forward or idle position.

The carriage 23 has a lateral arm 26 projecting through a slot 21 in the casing wall and provided at the outer end with a button 28, whereby the 35 carriage may be moved rearwardly against the tension of spring 25'.

To the carriage 23 is secured a removable blade 29 by a pair of screws 30. Of course, any other mode of securing the blade to the carriage may be selected, or if preferred, the blade may be made integral with the carriage instead of removable. The cutting edge of said blade is on a bias with the rear corner in alignment with the nearest reinforced corner of the package. 45

In use, when the button is moved rearwardly, the corner 3| of the blade 29 first engages the nearest corner which presents a rigid edge for initiating the cut or slit, and thereafter the further cut of the blade through the single layer of material is carried out without crushing the package or its content. The blade being on a bias executes a sliding cut resulting in a triangular fiap 32 with the base unsevered and held resiliently to close the package. If preferred, in-

stead of a reciprocating blade, a pivotally mounted blade may be used provided the edge contacts first with the corner of the package and thereafter executes a sliding cut.

The casing I'l is closed by a cover plate 33 secured in position by a plurality of screws 34.

While the drawing shows a preferred embodment of the invention, numerous changes and alterations may be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not limit myself to the details of construction, as shown, but claim my invention as broadly as the state of the'art permits.

I claim:

1. A device of the character described, comprising a receptacle for a package, and provided With an opening at the lower end to expose a corner of the package, a chest surrounding the exposed package corner and secured to said receptacle, a carriage mounted for reciprocation 'in said chest at right angles to the side of the package, means for guiding said carriage during reciprocation, and a blade secured to said carriage with its edge at an acute angle to the side of the package so as to initially engage the exposed corner of the package prior to cutting said corner and cutting a triangular flap on the continued movement of said carriage.

2. A device of the character described, comprising a receptacle for a package and provided with an opening at the lower end to expose a corner 'of the package, a chest surrounding the exposed package corner and secured to said receptacle, a carriage mounted for reciprocation in said chest at right angles to the side of the package, means for guiding said carriage during reciprocation, and a blade secured to said car- Vriage at an acute angle to the side of the package, the angular position of said blade being fixed throughout the reciprocation, said blade initially engaging the exposed corner of the package prior lto cutting said cornerv and Cutting a triangular flap on the continued movement of said carriage.

MAURICE E. BLIER. 

